Is David Moyes misusing this homegrown Manchester United star?

The balance between these two players is essential to Moyes’ whole system – if this midfielder sits too deep, he can leave a gap between himself and his central midfield comrade which prevents United from recycling possession effectively and also provide the opposition space into which they can attack; conversely, positioning himself too high up the pitch will leave the Red Devils woefully exposed in defence.

On the whole, it is the defensive aspect of this midfielder’s role which is most important; if his partner and the number ten do their jobs correctly, he should not have much to do in attack.

Instead, the player employed in this role must primarily ensure that the likes of Nemanja Vidic are properly protected from counter-attacks, a job which, whilst more fitting than the advanced playmaker role, does not suit Cleverley either.

This is evident in the amount of tackles which Cleverley has won this season – 29. When compared to the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Ramires, both who have made over 50, it is clear that Cleverley is not the type of player who should be fulfilling this role in Moyes’ squad.

Moreover, he has made just 27 interceptions this season, a thoroughly average number which does not mark the Englishman out as the midfield anchorman which is necessary in the CM-CM-AM triangle.

Tom Cleverley Defensive Actions

This is not to say that Cleverley does not have the attributes to fulfil any central midfield role; rather, that his skill-set is not one which is conducive to the formation and style of play which Moyes wants to employ.

If Manchester United played a less aggressive midfield trio – for example, a DM-CM-CM triangle – Cleverley would have a much more positive reputation than the one he has attained playing in the ill-suited system which he is currently a part of.

The Englishman’s range of passing is excellent and his average pass completion rate of 90% confirms this. Should he feature in the aforementioned midfield trio instead of Man United’s current threesome, he would be utilised to greater effect; Cleverley, with an anchorman behind him and more advanced player beside him, could perform as a deep-lying playmaker who supplies the wingers with the ball in dangerous positions whilst simultaneously offering some form of defensive cover – though not to the extent that would be demanded of him in the CM-CM-AM triangle. His passing graph against Norwich, below, offers some suggestion of how he would perform in this role.

Tom Cleverley Pass Map vs Norwich (97% Pass Accuracy)

Unfortunately for Cleverley, his style of play just does not fit in with the formation which David Moyes is employing at Man United and consequently his performances have not been of the standard which were once predicted when he emerged into the Red Devils’ first-team squad.

It is not, as many suggest, that the midfielder is a weak player who doesn’t justify his place in a team as big as the current Premier League champions; it is the fact that he is employed in a role which is unsuitable for his attributes.